Ghana has no influence over the extradition request for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, according to President John Dramani Mahama, who emphasised that the United States courts had exclusive jurisdiction over the case.
At a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Accra on March 30, 2026, which brought together representatives from 162 organisations, Mr. Mahama made the statements.
In response to an Arise Ghana representative’s fears that the public’s trust in the nation’s democratic system may be damaged if Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return could not be secured, the President emphasised the boundaries of governmental power in the issue.
Mr. Mahama stated, “I cannot comment on the extradition of our former finance minister because it is in a different jurisdiction and I have no control over it, it is all in the hands of the American judiciary, and it is not within our effort to influence that.”
He reaffirmed that even though Ghana has formally requested extradition, the government must let the US legal system finish.
According to Mr. Mahama, Mr. Ofori-Atta is involved in two distinct judicial proceedings in the US.
He clarified that one related to Ghana’s request for extradition, while the other has to do with immigration after US authorities revoked Mr. Ofori-Atta’s guest visa.
“There are two parallel issues. One is the extradition request by Ghana, and the other is the immigration issue. The arrest was made by ICE for violating immigration status, and there is also the additional issue of the extradition,” he added.
In addition to pursuing permanent residency in the US, Mr. Ofori-Atta is challenging the extradition request.
According to his legal team, Ghana would not provide him with a fair trial.
The US immigration court will hear the case on April 27, 2026.
The discussion is a part of the Mahama administration’s larger Resetting Ghana Tour, which is scheduled to visit all 16 regions.
Source: newsthemegh.com